David Archuleta: Six-Week Solo Tour to be Announced, Label readying European and Japanese Album Releases

Richard Rushfield of the LA Times attended David Archuleta’sshow in Park City, Utah Saturday night. He posted a really interesting article about the entire experience for his Times Idol blog.

A couple of highlights: Richard got stuck in an elevator with David’s family. Plus, David really likes to dance! Richard chatted with David’s dad and co-manager, Jeff Archuleta. Here’s what’s coming up for David in the near future:

As David met with a TV crew, I chatted with his father (and manager), Jeff, who told me a bit about what’s ahead for David: David’s second single is out, and his labels are planning for the European and Japanese releases of his album; in the near future will be an announcement about David’s first solo national tour Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  apparently about six weeks, in 1,000- to 2,000-seat venues, aiming for some areas the Idols Live tour bypassed. Then I followed David and Jeff up to the suite to await showtime, 11 p.m.

And, last night, David performed the National Anthem at a pre-inaugual Latin ball in Washington DC headlined by Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony. Also in attendance were Wilmer Valderrama from That 70’s Show, comedian George Lopez and actress Rosie Perez.

Founder and editor of mjsbigblog.com, home of the awesomest fan community on the net. I love cheesy singing shows of all kinds, whether reality or scripted.I adore American Idol, but also love The Voice, Glee, X Factor and more!

I think I’m beginning to understand the philosophy behind David Archuleta and his singing career and the path he seems to be taking. My take is that David is the turtle who proceeds to the finish line slow and steady.

Based on all indications, David seems to appreciate his music selling well and that his singles and album do well, but I don’t think “fame and glory” is what drives him. His ambition, seems to me, to be more involved with the music and the sharing of that music.

If he is entertaining the idea of a solo tour at small intimate theaters (where, realistically, he will fill with his “current fans”) he isn’t actively searching to be number 1 and be the top of the heap. He seems to be content with selling his voice and style one person at a time, and banking on the fact that his number of fans will grow through word of mouth and by tiny small steps.

IMHO…David won’t be a flash in the pan, his career won’t burn out quickly. We will be hearing from him for years to come. He may never be the “idol” of millions but he will always have a large and loving fanbase.

houstonrufus

Really great article. I loved the insights into the community David comes from. It reveals much about who he is and how he can remain so true to himself amidst what I’m sure are many opinions. I also love getting the snapshot of David having fun with his friends, being young, celebrating.

frogcooke

Loved loved the article.

I hear crush is doing well on japans versions of itunes and the album is already up for preorder there.
———

Im still telling ya, the boy can dance and has moves despite what he tells us….

CSFan

Nice article but Jeff Archuleta needs to shut his trap about how mormon kids are just so much better than kids of other faiths. Yes, Jeff, those Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist, or Episcopal kids can’t get together without a sex and heroin orgy breaking out. *eyeroll* Kids are kids Jeff, and I grew up with some of those “good mormon kids” who did all kinds of things behind their parents back, up to and including sex and drugs. Jeff is pretty darn naive, maybe not about his kids but certainly about mormon kids as a whole, who usually aren’t that much different or more pure than any other kids.

brewster

It would appear that David has chosen the early career path that would complement his personal vision and integrity. Perhaps David views his life and career as a marathon and not a sprint.

Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony. Also in attendance were Wilmer Valderrama from That 70Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Show, comedian George Lopez and actress Rosie Perez.

Forget them, the love of my life Alejandro Sanz was there… and Luis Fonsi… If ManÃƒÆ’ ¡ and Juanes could have being there IÃƒâ€š ´m sure David would have die… and me too..

IMHOÃƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦David wonÃƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t be a flash in the pan, his career wonÃƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t burn out quickly. We will be hearing from him for years to come. He may never be the Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…â€œidolÃƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  of millions but he will always have a large and loving fanbase.

From your mouth to GodÃƒâ€š ´s ears… amen….

lefty

Jeff Archuleta needs to shut his trap about how mormon kids are just so much better than kids of other faiths.

At what point in the article did Jeff say that?

If anything, he may have been addressing some people’s perceptions that Mormon kids have no fun, or act as if they are from another planet or something. I got the sense that he was saying that they are pretty much the same as other teenagers, not that they are better than other teenagers.

http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

^^^

This is Jeff’s exact quote, “This is how Mormons party. It’s just like kids everywhere, just without the sex and drugs.”

One could read that as Jeff saying that other kids party…but with sex and drugs.

frogcooke

Its also great to see that he’s getting time to spend with his friends and family and is having fun amongst all of everything. He always seems so busy and is always off somewhere doing something.

soundscene

One could read that as Jeff saying that other kids partyÃƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦but with sex and drugs.

People can think the worst of Jeff and assume he meant that, or they can give him the benefit of the doubt (which rarely happens for the guy, sadly) and assume he was making a statement about Mormon kids rather than a statement about non-Mormon kids.

When I read that comment I never once thought that he was making some statement about the morality of non-Mormon kids.

lefty

One could read that as Jeff saying that other kids partyÃƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦but with sex and drugs.

I do think he was saying that, but I don’t think he was saying that all kids except Mormon kids party with sex and drugs. Basically, it’s a question of whether by “kids,” he meant “some kids” or “all kids.” I personally think he was speaking from his own perspective, as the parent of those particular teenagers and their friends. As in “See? They DO know how to have fun.” I really didn’t read it as “Mormon kids are the only kids in America who know how to have fun without sex and drugs.” But obviously it’s all up for interpretation.

eta: Thanks, soundscene, you said it better than I. I just reread my post and I kind of took my point in a circle. lol

KathyH

Is this an algebra problem?

I am not Mormon, and not particularly religious, but I’m raising my kids with similar principles, and I take Jeff’s statement as Lefty’s suggested, innocent, Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…â€œSee? They DO know how to have fun.Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  More power to ’em, I say.

IGetCranked

I agree lefty. I’m in shock of how that can be twisted negatively. Anway, thanks Mr. Rushfield for the pleasant article. I like reading happy things.

soundscene

I loved that article, btw. Thanks to RR!

lefty

Is this an algebra problem?

LOL, I started to give myself a headache while writing that comment.

clee1107

this is great article. i feel like i was there. david had fun w/ family and friends haha dance like crazy lol i hope fans can see his dance more in the future lol when richard was in the elevator with sisters n daniel, i guess he was surprised at their reaction. singing together while waiting is so cute and sweet. im glad they are safe. they are lovely brothers n sisters. im also excited for tour. itll be fun. 1000~2000 wont be hard. right david? i hope we can ger more info about the tour. i also have some friends in japan. they seemsjapanese ppl like david and his song. good luck david!

http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

People can think the worst of Jeff and assume he meant that, or they can give him the benefit of the doubt (which rarely happens for the guy, sadly) and assume he was making a statement about Mormon kids rather than a statement about non-Mormon kids.

Somebody who doesn’t know anything about Jeff could interpret it differently than you did. I was only pointing out that it was a vague statement, open to interpretation. YMMV and all that sort of thing.

Lys

…I think I’ll just pass on the discussion pertaining to Jeff’s statement, lol, other than to say I honestly don’t think he meant any harm by it.

Here’s a vid of Archie singing the NA yesterday. It’s only a partial clip, but the sound quality is decent:

I love the way he always changes up the “wave” part. :-) It’s almost like his signature now.

weareallinnocent

FWIW, I did interpret it the way CSFan and mj suggest, when I first read it this a.m. in the headlines thread. I declined to comment for fear of the fray. I love Rushfield and, indeed, enjoyed this article. With that, I sort of have to believe that Rushfield wouldn’t have included that remark, if he’d taken it the way that I did though. Seems out of place in an otherwise charming, upbeat review.

Tess

I find it interesting that Mormon bashing is an accepted policy on many blog sites. Being non-Morman but Utah raised I fully understand Jeff’s comment. The general consensus from the masses is that Mormons are uptight, non-social, have no fun, don’t know how to party, etc. because active practicing Mormons don’t believe in pre-marital sex, shun drinking and smoking, pot and illicit drugs. Obviously this isn’t everyone’s take on Mormons but in my experience it is the general feeling. Jeff was pointing out to a stranger that Mormons kids do have fun and don’t need the stimulii that are so prevalant in many a teenagers life.

jenni

I don’t think he meant it that way at all and that it was a very innocent statement but also don’t think that one would have to squint very hard to take it as a negative. If this was thrown out of the Idol bubble on, say, ohnotheydidnt, another blog site or the realm of public opinion without an AI slant, I can easily see it being take in the wrong way since people take offense very easily to things that seem to be opposed to their experiences or world view. Even without attributing the source on it as being a figure that causes some strong opinions, it could still be taken as a negative.

Lots of folks, religious and non, don’t sanction those either, which I believe is the problem with the ambiguously worded quote.

LK09

The general consensus from the masses is that Mormons are uptight, non-social, have no fun, donÃƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t know how to party, etc. because active practicing Mormons donÃƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t believe in pre-marital sex, shun drinking and smoking, pot and illicit drugs.

I am sure that you are correct in your context. I am sure Jeff didn’t mean that he thinks ALL kids do that but many. I am sure too, that he knows some Mormon kids who are not so great.

I have lived outside Utah (for most of my life) and inside Utah (for about 8 years) and I can tell you that there were many, many kids outside who did drugs and drank and had sex from a very early age, and that in Utah, the vast majority are more like what Jeff described.

Myself having family members who are in a variety of Christian denominations, I can also tell you that there are other kids around the country who have the same values. I am sure Jeff was just talking about how Mormon kids have a good time and was not making a judgement about every kid out there.

lefty

It’s a fact that a lot of teens engage in sexual activity, underage drinking, etc. That’s undeniable, regardless of whether you approve or disapprove of the behaviors. Jeff pointed out that these kids have fun without engaging in those particular behaviors. Again, nowhere in this article did he state that all non-Mormon kids drink and have sex.

I just can’t see this as a controversial statement. It seems like you have to be seeking the controversy to find it.

lefty

Lots of folks, religious and non, donÃƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t sanction those either, which I believe is the problem with the ambiguously worded quote.

Of course lots of folks don’t. And I am sure that Jeff Archuleta knows that. But he was just having a conversation with RR while watching a bunch of kids dancing. He commented on those kids in front of him. Was there a little bit of pride in the statement? Sure, but I don’t think it was prejudiced. I think it was more like, aren’t these some good kids here? It didn’t seem like he was trying to make a Big Important Statement about Mormons. It was just a remark.

eta: I am neither Mormon, nor an uberfan of Jeff Archuleta’s (although I have nothing against him either). I just think he deserves, as soundscene said, the benefit of the doubt in this instance.

Suddenly I feel like Jordin “purity ring” discussion all over again…lol…

I read Jeff statment in a way that he was talking about how Mormon kids “do have fun”, no like other people think are boring and donÃƒâ€š ´t know how to party…. (God know that before David I just to think the same, based in the mormom kids that I knew during my high school days)…

Anyway the article is relly charming and fun… Richard is a great writer and a really AI fan, not only Archie fan… I donÃƒâ€š ´t believe he will post something that will only create problems and he took Jeff statment as innocent as it could be… IMHO…

And I think I’m going to step out of the discussion now, because I did love that article and the side of David that it showed. I’m just going to enjoy it for the spirit in which it was written. :happy_tb:

weareallinnocent

Yikes. Read my first post above again. I said the statement DID read that way to me upon first reading, and I declined to comment to AVOID any controversy, and I LOVE Rushfield who I believe would NOT have included the statement if he’d heard it as some have perceived it, and the tenor of the review was charming and upbeat.

So, we agree… on all the important points!

But, like it or not, that statement can read that way to an unassuming reader. I agree, though, that the reader will choose to interpret it innocently or not based upon all sorts of things not readily apparent (or necessarily in the article.)

abbysee

All in all a great article with some interesting insights into David and his inner circle. I see how he remains so positive. Love hearing about the tour. The idea of David dancing his butt off amuses me. Like I said, what an interesting article.

lefty

weareallinnocent – I almost “eta”d to say that I understood your post … but I figured I’d said enough for a while. :smile1_tb:

I get what you meant and I agree with what you said about Rushfield’s inclusion of the statement (i.e. that he wouldn’t have if it were meant to be inflammatory).

And in all that, I forgot to mention how excited I am about the upcoming tour. And Tess, I really loved your post up top. I think you are exactly right.

frogcooke

anyways!! David is on disney at the moment(well parts between songs) lol he used to shred pictures of himself…

Random factoid of the day..

baxter

Well when I read the article I was a bit taken aback by that comment from DA’s Dad. But then again I was raised Lutheran, so I am a heathen to begin with….LOL. All those raunchy sex and drug filled parties me and my peeps had during our teen get togethers on Sat afternoons.

And Yes I can see the other side and read it as a positive message about Mormon kids, but then again, if I weren’t an AI Junkie, I can completely understand how someone could interpret that quote as Mormon kids are better than others.

http://myspace.com/saltwatercures pj

I’m really not a fan of Rushfield as a writer. More often than not, his articles are way OTT for me. YMMV.

I’m not so concerned about Jeff A’s statement, but it is a generalization that Mormon kids are “good” and don’t indulge in any untoward activities. I know that’s not true, from personal experiences with friends in college. So, I wouldn’t say that he’s insulting non-Mormon kids so much as putting Mormon kids on an undeserved pedestal. Kids are kids. Some will stray and some won’t.

I find it interesting that Mormon bashing is an accepted policy on many blog sites.

Well, I disagree with you. There’s been no Mormon bashing here.

SpenserJ

I had the same thought! Although I didnÃƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t get into that discussion.

I thought the exact same thing. I also think, that for me, it somewhat explains some individual’s sensitivity to the comment (or not).

The insinuation that the rest of us sinners are raising our children to be meth-shooting whores because we’re not a particular religion or we don’t force them to wear jewelry proclaiming their virginity to the public is a seriously annoying message that has worn out it’s welcome. So, while his intentions may have been completely innocent, I can easily see where some would interpret it as offensive.

I don’t really have an opinion of what he did or did not mean, mostly because I don’t give two hoots about what he says. But the written word can be heard by many people in many different ways. Just because someone is offended by what this particular person said, doesn’t mean they hate mormons.

And, good luck to David on tour.

Lys

Just because someone is offended by what this particular person said, doesnÃƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t mean they hate mormons.

I don’t remember anybody suggesting that..? Correct me if I’m wrong, but I thought the comment about “Mormon bashing” earlier on in this thread was in reference to the common perception (though not necessarily the common perception here) of Mormon kids as uptight, socially defunct creatures who don’t even have the first clue about having fun. Which certainly isn’t the case, at least not with the Mormons that I know. :-)

For whatever it’s worth, I agree with those who saw Jeff’s comment as being a “See? Mormons know how to have fun, too” kind of statement.

LK09

It must be incredibly annoying to have everything you say in every setting put under a microscope and examined with the assumption that you are either self righteous or manipulative without ever being given a chance to defend yourself. I suppose Jeff is getting used to it because it comes with the territory, but it still must be annoying.

luckeee55

I have no idea what else was said to Rushfield along with the quoted statement by Jeff. I have seen, many times in many threads on boards everywhere, that we should be careful about believing everything we read and also be careful to understand actual quotes can be taken out of context. That is why I will not pick apart this statement made by Jeff.

I don’t know what prompted Jeff’s comment. Maybe Rushfield said, “Jeff, I’ve never seen such a well behaved party of teenagers. Most parties I’ve seen seem to be full of drugs and sex.” To which Jeff replied, Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…â€œThis is how Mormons party. ItÃƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s just like kids everywhere, just without the sex and drugs.Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

My point is I don’t know, so while I can voice my opinion on his statement, I will not assume I know what he meant and in what context he meant it.

SpenserJ

I donÃƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t remember anybody suggesting that..?

LOL – I was being somewhat facetious. Sorry, I do that sometimes. I’ll just go back to the whole written word not always being easy to interpret thing :)

Niall

It must be incredibly annoying to have everything you say in every setting put under a microscope and examined with the assumption that you are either self righteous or manipulative without ever being given a chance to defend yourself. I suppose Jeff is getting used to it because it comes with the territory, but it still must be annoying.

Jeff always has the choice, now that Gaspy is of age, of backing away from the spotlight. I rarely read comments from other stars managers and I can count on one hand the number of times I read newspaper article quotes from other Idol parents after the show was over. He seems intent on sharing his son’s spotlight though, so if he continues to put his foot in his mouth or continues to make his living off of his son (are they going to be shoving poor Daniel into the limelight next??) people are going to say things about it.

The insinuation that the rest of us sinners are raising our children to be meth-shooting whores because weÃƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re not a particular religion or we donÃƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t force them to wear jewelry proclaiming their virginity to the public is a seriously annoying message that has worn out itÃƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s welcome. So, while his intentions may have been completely innocent, I can easily see where some would interpret it as offensive.

My experience with Mormon families has generally been very good but they do tend (usually) to prefer their kids associate with other mormon children at mormon sponsored church events. That’s all well and good but Daddy Archuleta’s comment seemed to go along with that attitude that said “stay with your own and don’t get corrupted by those bad, bad Catholic kids!” (I’m Catholic so I can make fun of my own). *g*

luckeee55

Why are Catholics being dragged into this? Even if they tend to be bad influences (jk).

Niall, I am interested in how you know for fact, since you are not saying it is just opinion, that Jeff is making his living off David Archuleta. He is co manager, but also owns his own successful business in Utah and in fact the family has enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle prior to David becoming a pop star.

I don’t see any attempt to keep David away from non-Mormons. Two of the people David is closest to from AI are Cook and Castro. They are not Mormon. David claims among his pals Shontelle and she is not Mormon to my knowledge. David names as his musical influences John Mayer, Natasha Bedingfield, Sara Barielles, Jason Mraz, Eva Cassidy, and I could go on. Which of these are Mormon? We in fact see the opposite with David in that he is open to all types of people which shows he is not a kid with a parent who is keeping him away from outside influences.

abbysee

This is just so darn ridiculous. It’s so easy to pile on on any side. Jeff must watch what he says because there is a contingent of people who are ready to continue the story that AI set out to write. Whether it’s true on not. It’s still great to perpetuate stuff, even unverified.

I am certain Daniel was pushed out into the spotlight the same way Michael Castro was forced to audition for idol. Those families just can’t have too many kids on the gravy train you know.

And how cool are all of those names that they have for idols they ridicule, it’s really funny to make fun of a person’s impairment. Yeah, I get loads of laughs out of that.

Virginia5

Am I on Vote for the Worst? No, this is Mjsbigblog.. wow, I got confused there for a second. Lol.

To each his own… just b/c you rarely see stories with celebrities parents making commentary, doesn’t mean Jeff should refrain from it just to fit the norm. I don’t see the harm in it, if reporters find him interesting enough to be asked a question, then by all means Jeff will graciously answer it. I myself didn’t think twice when i read his commentary. At the same time, I agree Jeff should be more careful b/c there are wolves out there waiting to rip him to shreds at moments notice.

http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

I’m pulling posts from folks who attempt to play moderator.

At the same time, I agree Jeff should be more careful b/c there are wolves out there waiting to rip him to shreds at moments notice.

Jeff’s statement is vague enough, that it can be read in a number of ways, by a number of people. No agenda necessary.

Virginia5

Huh? I’m sorry, was I trying to play moderator with that comment? Sorry, just trying to understand here.

http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

Huh? IÃƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m sorry, was I trying to play moderator with that comment? Sorry, just trying to understand here.

Did I pull your post Virginia? No, I didn’t.

luckeee55

Gaspy is a name used for Archuleta on a board that lampoons all things related to Idol. Fat Ugly Sack of Sh*t is their name for Cook.

Virginia5

Okay sorry, you quoted my last post, so I thought you were talking about me… :)

Oops – sorry. I see that my post was the one pulled so obviously as a constant reader but never poster, I need to practice up on simply stating a comment. Now, however, I can’t figure out how to respond to Niall’s post except that I think that Daniel is a long-tiime musician, that I didn’t see Jeff A. mention “Catholic” anywhere.

LK09

One of the things about David that inspires me is his incredible acceptance and love for all people, no matter what their color, religion, politics, idiocy, etc. He has only kind words for all people, even if they don’t deserve them.

If you have watched him closely, he has repeatedly given interviews to people who have skewered him over and over in articles, blogs, and television shows. It has been interesting to watch several interviews of such people, who have an astonished look on their face as he treats them well, even after they have been very nasty. He is a model for the way we should all behave and is wise way beyond his years.

Jeff is a very successful businessman, who has provided very well for his family and has the flexibility to continue his work from wherever he is. He is in a fortunate situation where he can travel with David, and David welcomes it. At some point, maybe David will change his mind and want a different manager for some reason, but at this point, he has said many times that he is happy with the situation.

I guess that the fact that Daniel accompany David more related to the fact that David donÃƒâ€š ´t trust in his habilities as a guitar player more than to the fact that they want him to be a star… IMHO…

Jeff is a very successful businessman, who has provided very well for his family and has the flexibility to continue his work from wherever he is. He is in a fortunate situation where he can travel with David, and David welcomes it. At some point, maybe David will change his mind and want a different manager for some reason, but at this point, he has said many times that he is happy with the situation.

I agree with what you are saying…

temkanoe

Does this mean he is bypassing Houston for his tour? Sucks…:(

frogcooke

crush is now in the 50-60s in UK and Ireland pop itunes charts.. moving up slowly..

which is cool since about the only kind of promotion it has is some MV making a countdown or 2 or soemthing. lol Its not on radio yet.

rockfan

New myspace blog from David w/ a few pics and a new song recommendation.

He talks about his Hard Rock Cafe performance, being in LA to do something for Build-A-Bear and meeting Meaghan from “Camp Rock” and Jamia, who was in “August Rush” while there. He also talks about performing at Sundance and singing the National Anthem in Washington, DC on Sunday. He was also blown away at meeting Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony while there.